Executive Assistant

The Centre for Environmental Rights is a non-profit organisation and law clinic of activist lawyers who work with communities and civil society organisations in South Africa to realise our Constitutional right to a healthy environment by advocating and litigating for environmental justice. We seek a just, equitable, compassionate society which is resilient, celebrates diversity, and respects the inter-dependence between people and the environment.

As South Africa’s largest public interest environmental law organisation, we use our expertise and commitment to fight for environmental justice and advance the right to a healthy environment for all. We take on the big environmental battles: cases in which we can empower local communities, have an enduring impact, set powerful precedents for other cases, and help improve policy and practice across the country.

Based in Cape Town, The Centre for Environmental Rights seeks to appoint a

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

The successful incumbent requires a keen eye for detail and excellent writing skills; someone who is tech-savvy; who can confidently handle a complex range of tasks, and can work effectively under pressure; someone who is really good with people; someone who has the highest levels of integrity and loyalty; and who has a positive and mature disposition. Importantly, the person also has to be passionate about advancing environmental and social justice and profess and support the shared values of our organisation.

Key responsibilities of the Executive Assistant include but are not limited to:

- Managing the Executive Director and Deputy Director’s programme and administration, and generally assisting them to fulfil their respective roles in the organisation, including taking minutes and taking responsibility for follow-up on decisions made.
- Coordinating and supporting the Executive Director and Deputy Director’s speaking, conferencing and media engagements.
- Assisting the Executive Director and Deputy Director with preparation of documents or materials for Board meetings, management meetings, and other internal/external meetings including drafting of presentation materials when needed.
- Liaising with stakeholders including partners, clients, the media, as well as the Board of Directors.
- Drafting documents, reports and communication as needed.
- Managing the travel requirements for the Executive Director and Deputy Director, and any other relevant preparations needed.
- Providing ad-hoc support for personal administration where required.
- Working closely with various programmes and departments, proactively coordinating meetings, commitments, deadlines, requirements, etc.

**The Executive Assistant must meet the following criteria**:

- Relevant degree, diploma or qualification in office administration or similar.
- At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role.
- Experience in the legal profession and/or the non-profit sector will be an advantage.
- Self-reliant, good in problem-solving, results-oriented, multi-tasker with superior administration skills.
- Excellent networking skills, and strong capabilities in building support amongst a wide range of stakeholders.
- Able to remain calm under pressure, confident with excellent judgment, with strong sense of emotional maturity.
- Positive demeanour, positive interpersonal skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Able to effectively interface with team members as well as external stakeholders - partners, funders, government and industry representatives.
- Advanced computer literacy skills are highly desirable.
- Analytic and decisive decision maker with the ability to prioritise.
- Excellent track record in planning, project management and meeting deadlines.
- A commitment to high quality client service.
- A passion for social and environmental justice.
- A sensitivity to social issues and the needs of communities impacted by environmental degradation and injustice and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and transformation.